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Chez Jay
American Restaurant$$$$
Downtown Santa Monica, Santa Monica
"Southern California classic"(2 Tips)
"Love this old school dive bar."(2 Tips)
"popular by the TV show Goliath with Billy Bob Thornton ❤"(2 Tips)
"If you want to see Classic Santa Monica, this is the place."(2 Tips)
67 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- steak
- california classic
- casual
- old school dive
- show goliath
- (15 more)
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Michael AndersonJuly 6, 2013Legendary Chez Jay, est. 1959, is a Santa Monica Historical Landmark. Known for its steaks, seafood, generous drinks and comfortable atmosphere. One of the best celebrity hideaway taverns in all LA.
Upvoted 1 week ago
Volkan caJuly 25, 2017had Top Sirloin and Shrimp Combo. absolutely awesome. the italian salad was bit too sauced not Mediterranean kind but great place for stakes. chez knows to grill properly.
slastingOctober 30, 2014If it is on the menu for the day: try the mussels first and then follow up with the Sinatra steak. Finish with the sticky toffee cake and you'll have had a brilliant dinner! Great place :)
BaltimoreGalJune 17, 2019Steamed clams were SO good, and so was the steak my husband had later. This is a wonderful old-school bar where the drinks come with no BS and peanut shells go on the floor.- James KiernanSeptember 19, 2019Great steaks, chill vibe and interesting history. I’ll be coming back for sure!! 🥩🍸
- Ryan WOctober 24, 2014Love this old school dive bar. Great for a casual drink after dinner. If you get there late enough, they'll let you sit in a booth without ordering food.
Holy crap this is where the Pentagon Papers were handed over to the press. Such a great amount of history permeates every corner of this California classic.
Offbeat L.A.January 28, 2016Opened 1959. Steakhouse inspired food served at a small restaurant once frequented by the Rat Pack.
Johnny LeeAugust 22, 2019Chill vibe, especially on back patio. You wouldn't expect this gem tucked away on this busy street.
Joni LupoJanuary 21, 2015Don't bother making a reso here bc no one had a clue about it when we walked in. Love the divey atmosphere with all the holiday lights. Fish was really tasty too.- Mark GrossJuly 24, 2018My favorite old school bar and eatery. Made even more popular by the TV show Goliath with Billy Bob Thornton ❤️
Great place to go for a drink - the food’s good, too. If you’re eating, you can’t beat the bottle wine prices.
Joseph CAugust 19, 2014Classic SAnta MOnica joint. Cozy but, nice. Everything walkable before or after.
KatieSeptember 2, 2016As close to a dive bar as you can get in this pretty 'hood - awesome staff and jukebox to play DJ.
Darlene JeffersonFebruary 24, 2017Good Food!! Friendly & fast service! Atmosphere is like an.Old Movie..Dark,Clandestine, & Quiet!
FrostyOctober 3, 2019Check out the new outdoor patio bar in back. But heads up, you can only get to it from the parking lot.
Great place to sip the hours away by the sea. Great vibe. Food is pretty good.
Matt DohertyJune 29, 2011Sweet little dive surf bar. Get some local beers and order the mushroom buttons covered in garlic and butter. Your beer will wash it right down.
Kevin BannonFebruary 7, 2011The first time I ever went here, the bartender put my first drink on the house. I guess that's not really a tip, but you should take it for what it's worth. Awesome place!
Thai LiuFebruary 18, 2010I was turned on to this little dive bar by the director from Soprano's. This is a great bar close to the beach. They give you peanuts and you can eat them with disregard for where the shells end up.- Have the Sand Dabs- a Southern California classic, in the classic restaurant with a long colorful history! Great Bombay Sapphire Martinis too!
Melanie ReitlerJuly 14, 2015Great Steaks and a lot of ambiance! Santa Monica old school and "must be"!
Stephen G. BarrDecember 11, 2015What is the pickup line that landed our protagonist on his back just outside the threshold of said establishment circa 1994?
Klara LichtJune 23, 2014Beware, Marilyn Monroe night walk in! Great old LA dive bar with lots of history.
Rob W.March 30, 2012The scalloped potatoes are made with bananas. Definitely come for the drinks and the vibe, and leave before the food.
Jason DavisDecember 13, 2014The atmosphere and history of this old school dive make up for the average cuisine.- If you want to see Classic Santa Monica, this is the place. Cold Beer & great food.
Vinnie DaboulAugust 20, 2014Holy shit. If you don't know you won't go. This place is a must. Back in time.
Dive! Dive! Dive! This place is really cool, and it feels like it is imported from 1958.
Eat the free peanuts and throw the shells on the floor.
Matthew HansenJanuary 15, 2012If you are an East Coaster and you miss the really old and really charming dives back East, this is your place
258 Photos
Foursquare © 2024 Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA
A Santa Monica Historical Landmark, Established 1959
Closed until 9:00 AM (Show more)
- Mon
- 5:30 PM–10:00 PM
- Tue–Fri
- Noon–2:30 PM
- 5:30 PM–10:00 PM
- Sat–Sun
- 9:00 AM–2:30 PM
- 5:30 PM–10:00 PM
(310) 395-1741
Features
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. Discover & Visa)
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Food & Drink
Menus
Dinner, Happy Hour
Drinks
Beer, Full Bar, Cocktails
See More
Places inside Chez Jay
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- 8.2
"Really impressed with this place. Get yourself a Macallan Snake Bite. Almost all their food on the menu are amazing. Chicken Tawook was delicious. Enjoy the good time."
John Antony - 7.8
"Good fish tacos and mimosas. Also gotta try their scones with strawberry jam. Yum!"
Sanya Obsivac - 8.9
"Great brunch spot/pastry shop/bookstore! Eat outside if possible. I always love Huevos Rancheros but their crispy tortilla here is a (deliciously) great touch. Try the breakfast cocktails too."
Rachel Mercer
Places people like to go after Chez Jay
- 9.0
"Right next to Shutters. Love the bar and sitting area. Best place to grab a drink and watch the sunset over Santa Monica."
JW Najarian - 8.8
"One of the few remaining original Santa Monica spots. They’ve done a good job preserving its soul and local appeal. Great for people watching, a cold beer, and good bar food! Exceptional staff!"
Jonathan Correa
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